White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters, "The United States supports Libya's efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the 2011 revolution for a democratic, secure and prosperous Libya, and the people of Libya deserve a democracy based on the rule of law and respect for human rights."

Libyan gunmen seized the prime minister in a luxury hotel where he lives earlier today and held him for several hours before releasing him.

They talked about how the UK would continue to support the Libyan government and the Libyan people during this challenging transition, including support in helping them overcome the security challenges that they face and that are so important in overcoming in order to achieve a stable, free, peaceful and prosperous Libya.

David Cameron has spoken to his Libyan counterpart Ali Zeidan following his abduction and promised the UK's support to help build a "stable, free, peaceful and prosperous" Libya, the Prime Minister's spokesman said.